Sweeping apparatus with sweeping roller

ABSTRACT

In a sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller arranged substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface and a storage bin for swept material fixable to the sweeping apparatus and which has a sweeping edge facing the sweeping roller, the sweeping edge is movable relative to the sweeping roller in such a way that the vertical position of the sweeping edge with respect to the sweeping surface is independent of the vertical position of the sweeping roller with respect to the sweeping surface.  
     The storage bin or collecting container is preferably pivotably mounted, so that the bin or container is moved together with the sweeping roller and the sweeping edge is always guided close to the ground and bristles.

[0001] The invention relates to a sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller arranged substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface and a collecting container or storage bin for swept material, particularly dirt or the like, which is fixed to the sweeping apparatus and has a sweeping edge facing the sweeping roller.

[0002] Such sweeping apparatuses are used in many different sectors, e.g. for road cleaning, for cleaning floors in factories and the like. However, it is problematical if the sweeping apparatus has to overcome an obstacle, e.g. a road kerb. The storage bin may then no longer be aligned with the sweeping roller and it can arise that the swept material is no longer delivered by the sweeping roller to the storage bin. It is also possible for the swept material to drop out of the storage bin again, e.g. if said bin tilts at the obstacle and its opening is directed towards the ground.

[0003] De 196 17 986 A1 discloses a sweeping machine, where a sweeping roller arranged horizontally to the ground is preceded by two circular brooms rotating in opposite direction. The sweeping roller takes up the swept material swept up by the circular brooms and delivers it to the collecting container of the sweeping machine.

PROBLEM AND SOLUTION

[0004] The problem of the invention is to provide a sweeping apparatus, which is easy to handle and which has improved sweeping characteristics compared with conventional sweeping apparatuses.

[0005] This problem is solved by a sweeping apparatus according to the present invention.

[0006] Such sweeping apparatus is characterized in that the sweeping edge is movable relative to the sweeping roller in such a way that the vertical position of the sweeping edge with respect to the sweeping surface is independent of the vertical position of the sweeping roller relative to the sweeping surface.

[0007] In the sense of the present patent application, a sweeping apparatus is understood to mean all means suitable for sweeping essentially flat sweeping surfaces, e.g. roads, paths, floors, roof surfaces, etc. The sweeping apparatus is preferably manually guided. However, it is also conceivable for essential parts of the sweeping apparatus to form part of a travelling sweeping machine. The sweeping apparatus has a sweeping roller by means of which the swept material, particularly dirt, waste, dust and the like can be delivered into a collecting container or storage bin. The sweeping roller is equipped with a plurality of sweeping bristles. It is preferably motor-driven, but can also have its own drive, e.g. using drive wheels, which optionally by means of a step-up gear initiate a rotary movement on the sweeping roller. The sweeping roller is preferably oriented substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface. The collecting or storage container for the swept material has a sweeping lip or edge close to the sweeping surface in the direction of the sweeping roller and by means of which the rotating sweeping roller delivers dust and dirt to the storage bin.

[0008] The sweeping lip position which is independent of the sweeping roller height above the ground ensures that the distance between the sweeping lip and the ground optimized for a normal operating position of the sweeping roller, is still maintained if the latter in the case of increased ground pressure force by the user and accompanied by the deformation of the sweeping roller bristles, moves closer to the ground or if the distance between the sweeping roller and the ground becomes smaller as a result of bristle wear.

[0009] Preferably on encountering an obstacle on the sweeping surface, the sweeping edge is raised as a result of resistance on the obstacle. The sweeping edge can also move upwards if, as a result of a pressure force on the sweeping roller, the latter is deformed, e.g. if the handle or column is drawn rearwards counter to the sweeping direction or the sweeping roller is pressed more strongly onto the sweeping surface. Therefore the sweeping edge or lip evades the obstacle, so that a tilting of the sweeping edge at said obstacle is prevented. This is preferably brought about in that the sweeping edge is pivotable or swivellable about the sweeping roller. In particular, the sweeping edge is constructed in such a way that it is movable with substantial equispacing, particularly tangential to the sweeping bristles of the sweeping roller. This ensures that the sweeping edge and the sweeping bristles always have approximately the same mutual spacing and e.g. a bearing surface is obtained in which the sweeping bristles pass over the sweeping edge. The sweeping edge is preferably fitted substantially firmly to the storage bin. However, it is preferably flexible, e.g. the sweeping edge is a sweeping lip of rubber-like material.

[0010] The sweeping apparatus according to the invention is also characterized in that the collecting container performs a pivoting movement with the sweeping edge on raising the sweeping apparatus from the sweeping surface, so that its opening is directed upwards away from the sweeping surface. This ensures that the swept in dirt or the like does not drop out again. This is in particular achieved in that the collecting container is pivotably mounted on the sweeping roller, particularly on a housing of said roller, preferably by means of a type of intermediate lever. For pivotable mounting purposes there is preferably an articulated connection between the collecting container and the sweeping roller. The connection can in particular be provided by a lever arrangement, which preferably runs bilaterally along the side of the sweeping apparatus and the collecting container. This has the particular further advantageous effect that when the sweeping edge strikes against an edge or some other obstacle in the sweeping path, the collecting container with the sweeping edge side pivots upwards and effortlessly overcomes the obstacle. There are preferably two, more particularly mutually parallel pivot pins about which the collecting container can be pivoted. A first pivot pin is preferably located on the collecting container in the vicinity of the sweeping lip or edge. A second pivot pin of the connection is preferably displaced on sides of the sweeping apparatus preferably by at least 120ø relative to the sweeping roller axis against the position of the sweeping lip and is in particular arranged diametrically to the sweeping lip with respect to the sweeping roller axes on the sweeping apparatus. The diametral arrangement of the two pivot pins permits an approximately tangential movement of the sweeping lip with respect to the sweeping bristles. There is also a tangential movement for an arrangement in which the sweeping apparatus-side pivot pin coincides with the sweeping roller axis. A pivot pin separate from the sweeping roller axis on the sides of the sweeping apparatus permits a particularly advantageous and easily handleable handle arrangement for a separate handling of the storage bin detached from the sweeping apparatus.

[0011] On its end remote from the sweeping roller, the storage bin is supported against the ground by sliding surfaces, runners or preferably by ground or floor wheels. On the sweeping roller-side end the sweeping apparatus is preferably supported by the sweeping roller. Therefore the sweeping roller can form a type of elastic back-up roller as a front support for the sweeping apparatus. In an area close to the sweeping edge it is possible to set a clearly defined spacing of the sweeping edge with respect to the ground and towards the latter by means of further support means on the bin or container. For example, the sweeping lip can be mounted in vertically adjustable manner on the storage bin. The optimum spacing from the sweeping lip to the ground can also be zero and then there is a supporting of the sweeping roller-side, open end of the storage bin, preferably by means of said sweeping lip. This also ensures that fine dust and dirt, which would otherwise pass through the gap between the sweeping edge and sweeping surface is delivered into the storage bin.

[0012] The storage bin or collecting container can be detached from the sweeping apparatus and separately handled. For this purpose it is possible to provide a bow, particularly a metal bow, which can be hung in rotary manner in the housing, particularly in an upwardly open receptacle of the housing and can be raised upwards therefrom, said bow simultaneously serving as a holding grip or handle for the storage bin.

[0013] The sweeping apparatus can preferably be stored with the connected storage bin in a hanging or suspended position. As a result of the articulated connection between the storage bin and the sweeping roller, on raising the sweeping apparatus, the storage bin is pivoted downwards below the sweeping roller so that, if the sweeping apparatus is e.g. hung on a wall, the storage bin does not project vertically therefrom and is instead parallel thereto.

[0014] The above and further features can be gathered from the claims, description and drawings and the individual features, both singly and in the form of subcombinations, can be implemented in an embodiment of the invention and in other fields and can represent advantageous, independently protectable constructions. The subdivision of the application into individual sections and the subheadings no way limit the general validity of the statements made thereunder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0015] An embodiment of the invention is described hereinafter relative to the drawings, wherein show:

[0016]FIG. 1 A side view of the sweeping apparatus according to the invention.

[0017]FIG. 2 A side view of the sweeping apparatus, the dotted lines showing a storage bin position displaced by approximately 90ø to the starting position.

[0018]FIG. 3 A front view of the sweeping apparatus, particularly of the sweeping roller.

[0019]FIG. 4 A three-dimensional view of the sweeping apparatus.

[0020]FIG. 5 Another side view of the sweeping apparatus.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the sweeping apparatus 11 essentially comprises a handle or column 12, a motor casing 13 with a not shown motor housed therein for driving a sweeping roller 14, the sweeping roller 14 and a collecting container or storage bin 15.

[0022] The sweeping apparatus 11 according to the invention is manually guided and the column 12 fulfils this function. The column 12 is a metal tube, which is rigidly connected to the motor casing 13. The motor casing 13 comprises two plastic half-shells (FIG. 3), which embrace the motor. The two plastic half-shells are interconnected by means of screws 16. The motor casing 13 is also rigidly connected to a sweeping roller housing 17, which surrounds the sweeping roller 14 in an essentially semi-arcuate manner. The sweeping roller 14 is mounted in the roller centre and is motor-driven there. The sweeping roller 14 is provided with a plurality of sweeping bristles 18. As the bristle material are e.g. suitable synthetic fibre bristles, particularly of polyamide. The central drive of the sweeping roller and the sweeping bristles 18 projecting axially and in inclined manner over the bilateral ends 19, 20 of said roller 14 (FIG. 3), permit a close moving up of the sweeping apparatus, even if difficultly accessible or cleanable edges or corners. The sweeping bristles 18 are arranged in wavy rows along the central axis 21 of the sweeping roller 14. The bristle configuration of the sweeping roller 14 is only interrupted in the roller centre by the bearing or drive unit 22 of the said roller 14.

[0023] On the shield-like sweeping roller housing 17 is provided a first pivot pin 23, constructed as a pivot bearing, in the form of two upwardly open bearing yokes 24. The bearing yokes 24 are connected in one piece with the sweeping roller housing. Optionally in this area there can be a reinforcement for absorbing the forces which occur. Preferably the sweeping roller housing 17 is an injection moulding on which the bearing yokes 24 are formed. In said bearing yokes 24 is hung a horizontal tubular portion 26 of a preferably metallic handle 25 and which on the sides of the sweeping apparatus 11 embraces in arcuate manner the sweeping bristles 18 of the sweeping roller 14 and consequently does not laterally restrict the sweeping zone. The handle 25 leads to a second pivot pin 27 on a storage bin 15 of the sweeping apparatus 11.

[0024] The storage bin or collecting container 15 is preferably made from an inexpensive, lightweight plastics material. It is supported in a rear area remote from the sweeping roller 14 by means of ground or floor wheels 28 with respect to a sweeping surface 29. Towards the sweeping bristles 18 of the sweeping roller, the storage bin 15 has a sweeping edge 30, constructed as a sweeping lip, passing through parallel to the central axis 21 of the sweeping roller 14. The sweeping lip is either located on or just above the sweeping surface 29. It is also possible to provide a not shown device with which it is possible to adjust the distance between the sweeping lip and the sweeping surface 29. The handle 25 is hung on a projection 23 on the underside 31 of the storage bin 15 in the vicinity of the sweeping lip. The portion of the projection 31 facing the sweeping lip has a fork-like construction and forms the pivot bearing for the second pivot pin 27. The two horizontal pivot pins 23, 27 are parallel to one another and are positioned facing one another diametrically to the central axis 21 of the sweeping roller 14. The opening 33 of the storage bin 15 directed towards the sweeping bristles is constructed in complimentary manner to the arcuate sweeping roller housing 17 and in a position in which the projection-free underside 31 of the storage bin 15 is parallel to the sweeping surface 29, engages on the sweeping roller housing 17.

[0025] For supporting the motor casing 13 can be provided a not shown column support and as a result of the weight of the sweeping apparatus 11 and the column 12, said apparatus 11 stands up in this position on the sweeping bristles 18 of the sweeping roller 14 on the one hand and on the ground wheels 28 on the other and the column 12 is oriented in upwardly sloping manner. If no handle support is provided, a particularly flat or shallow design is obtained, which in particular for hanging storage is of a more especially space-saving nature.

FUNCTION

[0026] Firstly the sweeping roller 14 is rotated. According to the embodiment shown the rotary movement is produced by a motor housed in the motor casing 13 and is introduced by means of a gear on the centre of the sweeping roller 14. The rotation direction of the sweeping roller 14 is counterclockwise, so that the sweeping bristles 18 are moved towards the sweeping lip and dirt is delivered by means of said lip into the interior of the hollow storage bin 15. If the sweeping apparatus 1 1 encounters an obstacle, then the sweeping lip and storage bin 15 give way in the upwards direction. The handle 25 is pivoted somewhat counterclockwise about the first pivot bearing 23 constructed on the sweeping roller housing 17. The storage bin 15 pivotably mounted on the second pivot bearing 27 is again pivoted in such a way that its opening 33 points upwards away from the sweeping surface 29. Thus, the storage bin 15 and sweeping lip are set in upwardly inclined manner and consequently overcome the obstacle without any downward opening.

[0027] The column 12 can be brought into a further upright position and the articulated connection between the motor casing 13 and the storage bin 15 ensures that the latter is moved together with the sweeping roller 14 and the sweeping lip is still guided close to the ground and bristles. Through the pressure of the user on the column, the pressing action of the sweeping bristles 18 on the sweeping surface 29 can be increased, e.g. in order to sweep out gaps or joints, the distance between the centre axis 21 of the sweeping roller 14 with respect to the sweeping surface 29 being reduced. The position of the storage bin 15, particularly the sweeping lip relative to the sweeping surface 29 remains unchanged.

[0028] As shown in dotted line form in FIG. 2, on raising the sweeping apparatus 11, the handle 25 is pivoted downwards on raising the sweeping apparatus 11 in the clockwise direction together with the storage bin. Simultaneously the storage bin 15 is pivoted about the second pivot pin 27 with its opening 33 directed upwards, so that no dirt can drop out. By means of the handle 25 the downwardly hanging storage bin 15 can easily be raised from the pivot bearing 23 and can be separately handled for disposing of the dirt or waste. The sweeping apparatus 11 can be stored in a particularly space-saving manner in the hanging position with downwardly hanging storage bin 15, particularly in the case of a flat or shallow embodiment of the storage bin 15 without a column support.

[0029] Thus, the sweeping apparatus can be provided with a motor-driven, horizontal sweeping roller and with a collecting container or storage bin connected to the sweeping apparatus, which has a sweeping edge facing the sweeping roller and which, independently of the height position of the sweeping roller, is supported on the surface to be swept and in this way is connected to the sweeping roller or a housing carrying the latter. The position of the sweeping edge relative to the ground can be independent of a height change of the sweeping roller with respect to the ground in the operating position. The storage bin can be connected by a lever connection to the sweeping roller or the housing, which is pivotable about a first pivot pin on the sweeping roller or housing and about a second pivot pin on the storage bin. The connection of the storage bin to the sweeping apparatus can be such that the sweeping edge, on encountering an obstacle on the surface to be swept, is raised upwards by resistance on said obstacle. The storage bin can be detached from the sweeping apparatus and separately handled. The lever arrangement can be formed by a bow hung in the housing. The storage bin can be separated from the sweeping apparatus by attaching the bow from the housing. On raising the sweeping apparatus from the surface to be swept, the storage bin can be pivoted downwards with its opening directed upwards. The storage apparatus with the connected storage bin can be stored in the hanging position and the storage bin hangs below the sweeping roller. 

1. Sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller (14) arranged substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface (29) and a storage bin (15) for the swept material, which can be fixed to the sweeping apparatus (11) and which has a sweeping edge (30) facing the sweeping roller (14), wherein the sweeping edge (30) is movable relative to the sweeping roller (14) in such a way that the vertical position of the sweeping edge with respect to the sweeping surface (29) is independent of the vertical position of the sweeping roller (14) with respect to the sweeping surface (29).
 2. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping edge (30) is constructed in such a way that when a pressure force is exerted on the sweeping roller, it gives way in the upwards direction away from the sweeping surface (29).
 3. Swepping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the swepping edge is constructed in such a way that on encountering an obstacle on the sweeping surface (29) it gives way in the upwards direction away from the sweeping surface (29).
 4. Swepping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the swepping edge is constructed in such a way that in the case of a deformation of the sweeping roller (14) it gives way in the upwards direction away from the sweeping surface (29).
 5. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping edge (30) is pivotable about the sweeping roller (14).
 6. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sweeping edge (30) is constructed in such a way that it is movable in a substantially equispaced manner to the sweeping bristles (18) formed on the sweeping roller (14).
 7. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the swepping edge (30) is tangentially movable.
 8. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping edge (30) is fitted substantially firmly to the storage bin (15).
 9. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the swepping edge (30) is flexible.
 10. Sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller (14) arranged substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface (29) and a storage bin (15) for the swept material, which can be fixed to the sweeping apparatus (11) and which has a sweeping edge (30) facing the sweeping roller (14), wherein, on raising the sweeping apparatus from the sweeping surface (29), the storage bin (15) with the sweeping edge (30) performs a pivoting movement, so that its opening (33) is directed upwards, away from the sweeping surface (29).
 11. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the storage bin (15) is pivotably mounted on the sweeping roller (14).
 12. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the storage bin is mounted on a sweeping roller housing (17), by means of an intermediate lever.
 13. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 11, wherein for pivotable mounting purposes an articulated connection is formed between the storage bin (15) and the sweeping roller (14), the connection having two pivot pins (23, 27), which are in particular parallel to one another and about which the storage bin (15) can be pivoted.
 14. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a first pivot pin (23) is constructed for connection to the storage bin (15) in the vicinity of the sweeping edge (30) and a second pivot pin (27) is constructed on the sweeping roller (14).
 15. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second pivot pin 24 is constructed on the swepping roller housing (17).
 16. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second pivot pin (27) is displaced by at least 120° with respect to a central axis (21) of the sweeping roller (14) against the position of the sweeping edge (30).
 17. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage bin (15) is detachable from the sweeping apparatus (11) and can be separately handled.
 18. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein for the construction of the articulated connection is provided a bow (25), such as a metal bow, which is connected to the storage bin (15) and can be hung in rotary manner in the housing (17) of the sweeping roller (14).
 19. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping roller (14) forms an elastic back-up roller as a front support for the sweeping apparatus.
 20. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping apparatus (11) with the connected storage bin (15) can be stored in a hanging position and in particular the storage bin (15) hangs below the sweeping roller (14).
 21. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the storage bin (15) is detachable from the sweeping apparatus (11) and can be separately handled.
 22. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein for the construction of the articulated connection is provided a bow (25), such as a metal bow, which is connected to the storage bin (15) and can be hung in rotary manner in the housing (17) of the sweeping roller (14).
 23. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the sweeping roller (14) forms an elastic back-up roller as a front support for the sweeping apparatus.
 24. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the sweeping apparatus (11) with the connected storage bin (15) can be stored in a hanging position and in particular the storage bin (15) hangs below the sweeping roller (14). 